Peri-Bulbar & Medial Canthal Blocks
Maggie Jeffries, MD
Overview
Peribulbar and medial canthal blocks, when used separately or together, can be just as effective as a retrobulbar block
They can provide complete akinesia and analgesia when performed properly
Addition of a facial nerve block, particularly in scleral buckle retina cases, can provide additional akinesia and analgesia of the eyelid Peribulbar Blocks1
Similar success rate to retrobulbar block - due to absence of intermuscular membrane to separate extra- from intraconal compartments = similar space for spread of LA
Extraconal injections = less risk of complications such as optic nerve injury, brainstem anesthesia, retrobulbar hemorrhage
Myopic staphyloma which occur in highly myopic eyes (“long”, >26mm) could lead to globe perforation
Peribulbar Blocks1
LA spreads into the adipose tissue of the orbit, including the intraconal space where to nerves (motor & sensory) to be blocked are located. Spread can be uncertain or incomplete.
LA also spreads to the lids to block the orbicularis muscle and often obviates need for supplemental lid block
Peribulbar Blocks2
25 gauge 1” needle, sharp or Atkinson
Large volume, 6-12ml in the literature
Needle inserted at the inferotemporal corner of the eye at the junction of the lateral 1/3 and medial 2/3 of the lower orbital rim.
Needle is passed posteriorly, parallel to the floor of the orbit until it is estimated to lie beyond the equator of the globe. A volume of 5–10 ml of local anesthetic is injected after negative aspiration. #2 Medial caruncle
#4 Insertion of needle for a peribulbar block.3 Medial Canthal (orbital) Block
Great supplement to an infero-temporal peribulbar block when complete akinesia is desired (e.g. corneal transplant)
Blocks the medial rectus - a muscle often missed with a standard peri-bulbar block
Superior nasal block will also block the medial rectus and superior oblique but is a riskier block due to location in relation to orbit (risk for perforation) and vascular supply
Avascular location and lacks vital anatomic structures.1 Medial Canthal Block
27 gauge ½” needle - Inject approx 2ml, can often feel it spreading around globe with fingers
Needle is inserted medially to the caruncle at the medial end of the lid aperture, aim towards nose at about 30 degree angle.4
Can get some bleeding at medial canthus, usually minimal and self limited
Can induce sneezing so be prepared if patient has sharp inhale
With the shorter needle no need to worry about needle depth
Facial Nerve Blocks
More commonly needed with retrobulbar block at there isn’t spread through the orbital fat to the orbicularis muscle but can be used with any block
Great for patients who squint
Van Lindt most common: Injection at the crossing between a vertical line 1 cm lateral of the outer orbital rim and a horizontal line 1 cm below the inferior orbital rim. 2-5 ml of the anesthetic solution are injected below the orbicularis oculi muscle along either line.6
References
1. Ripart J, Mehrige K, Della Rocca, R. Local & Regional Anesthesia for Eye Surgery. NYSORA https://www.nysora.com/local-regional-anesthesia-for-eye- surgery 2. Lopatka CW, Magnante DO, Sharvelle DJ, Kowalski PV. Ophthalmic blocks at the medial canthus. Anesthesiology 2001;95:1533. 3. Ripart J, Lefrant JY, Vivien B, Charavel P, Fabbro-Peray P. Ophthalmic Regional Anesthesia: Medial Canthus Episcleral (Sub-Tenon) Anesthesia Is More Efficient than Peribulbar Anesthesia: A Double-blind Randomized Study. Anesthesiology 2000; 92: 1278-1285.
References
4. Hustead RF, Hamilton RC, Loken RG. Periocular local anesthesia: medial orbital as an alternative to superior nasal injection. J Cataract Refract Surg 1994 Mar; 20(2):197-201. 5. Anker R, Kaur N. Regional anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery. BJA Education 2017 July; 17(7): 221–227. 6. Schimek F, Fahle M. Techniques of facial nerve block. British Journal of Ophthalmology 1995;79:166-173.